ARM Media Director and Queensland Branch Convenor David Donovan is 38 years old and was raised on a cattle property north of the small town of Dingo in Central Queensland. The youngest of four children, his father was a long-standing shire councillor for the area and his mother a school-teacher. David’s secondary education was completed at the Rockhampton Grammar School, where he was a very good student who excelled at cricket, gaining numerous representative honours.
Dear Members,
Your National Committee met by teleconference on 2 June, 13 July and 10 August 2009.
Unfortunately our Executive Officer, Michelle Macrae-Morgan,has not been able to continue in the position. Michelle’s partner is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and they are moving to Perth to be closer to his family. We thank Michelle for her efforts in the office and wish her and Phil well in the coming months. We are in the process of finding another permanent staff member.
First National Republican Short Story Competition Begun, 1 May 2009 and closes on 31 August 2009.
Details are at http://republicanfiction.blogspot.com, including, Entry Form, Terms & Conditions, and Judging Panel.
Entry fee $11.99 (Cheques or postal order payable to Australian Republican Movement).
SUPPORT FOR ENDING MONARCHY NOW AT RECORD HIGH (Citizens for a Canadian Republic)
Toronto, ON - July 2, 2009 - A new opinion poll released on Canada Day reveals a steady upward trend for cutting our ties to the monarchy, our last colonial link to Britain.
When asked about the future of the institution once the Queen’s reign ends, an unprecedented 65 per cent of Canadians thought the monarchy should also end. Only 35 per cent were in favour of Prince Charles becoming Canada’s next head of state.
Last year the ARM began the tradition of seeking donations each year for a special Fighting Fund. We seek this assistance on the proviso that any funds donated be used ONLY for the purpose listed below. We understand that many members don’t want their donation swallowed up in general administration costs, and we would like to publicly thank donors in RR unless they wish otherwise. The remaining months of 2009 are going to be critical, as far as keeping the republic in the public consciousness, so I encourage you to help with this project if you are able.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you would like to contribute anything for a future publication or provide any feedback, please email enewsletter@republic.org.au
* To ensure your article is included in Republican Roundup please submit it to us as soon as possible – Thank you.
ARM FRINGE EVENT AT THE ALP NATIONAL CONFERENCE
By ARM Secretary and Treasurer, Peter van Vliet.
The Australian Republican Movement conducted a successful Fringe Event at the ALP National Conference in Sydney in July to try and keep the issue firmly on the Rudd Government’s agenda. The event was well attended with powerful speeches from National Committee members George Williams and John Warhurst and from former ARM Deputy Chair and Hawke Government Minister, Susan Ryan.
• Mark in your Diary
Calling All Canberrans – Get Involved: Join our Monthly Meetings
Regular meetings are held at 7:45pm on the 1st Monday of the month (except where this is a public holiday) at the Italo-Australian Club, 78 Franklin Street Forrest ACT. Meetings are open to members, prospective members and anyone interested in the establishment of our Australian Republic.
National raffle tickets will be winging their way to you shortly. Thank you very much to our generous members and sponsors.
Latest Donation Painting donated for the raffle as a major prize by Aranda Aboriginal Art (www.arandaart.com) and Will Fowles.
Walala Tjapaltjarri Tingari Cycle 2004, 90cm x 60cm, Value $1500
EXTRACT FROM FINANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT – PLEBISCITE INQUIRY
The Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Plebiscite for an Australian Republic Bill 2008
June 2009
The Committee’s Conclusions:
Australia Day 2009 has come and gone and the Government is yet to make a response to the 2020 Summit’s strong endorsement of a republican Australia. The recent tragic fires and floods in Victoria and Queensland are momentous events for governments and Australians, as is the global financial crisis. No-one expects the republic to be afforded a higher priority than these issues. What we would like to see is an announcement about the process and timeline the government has in mind to address the long delayed reconsideration of the republic issue.
Dear Members,
2008 has come and gone without national consideration of the republic issue. There have been some positive signs, however: the Government has reiterated its policy of moving towards a republic, but has said that it
